Rose-Marie's Concealer Application Hacks: Pro Tips for Flawless Coverage

If anyone knows how to work a concealer brush like a magician’s wand, it’s Rose-Marie Swift. Our founder is a legendary makeup artist who spent decades perfecting glowing, healthy-looking skin on the world’s most famous faces—and she’s learned a thing or two about getting the most out of concealer.

In this post, we’re diving into Rose-Marie’s personal concealer application hacks using Revitalize Hydra Concealer and UnCoverup. These are the tips she’s used on celebrities, supermodels, and now you.

Whether you're dealing with dark circles, hyperpigmentation, or just want a lifted, refreshed look—these tricks are game changers.

1. Foundation First, Then Concealer

This might go against what you’ve heard, but Rose-Marie insists:

“I always do foundation first. Think about it—when you put concealer on first, and then apply foundation over it, you're just moving the concealer around again. I like to start with a sheer application of foundation, do the rest of the makeup, and then come back at the end with concealer exactly where I need it most.”

This lets your concealer actually target what needs coverage, rather than getting lost under layers.

2. Use Different Shades for Different Areas

Rose-Marie doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all when it comes to concealer shades:

“We made Revitalize Concealer in 26 shades to cater to many skin tones and uses. For example, I use different shades depending on whether I’m concealing a dark spot, redness, or treating my undereye canals—as I lovingly call them. You really have to think about undertones and what you’re covering.”

For under eyes, go slightly brighter or peachier. For blemishes and redness, match your skin tone exactly.

3. The “Undereye Canal” Trick

When it comes to dark circles, precision is everything. Most people overdo it under the eyes—but not Rose-Marie:

“I have blue right in my undereye "canals". I’m not going to swipe concealer all the way across my under eyes—that’s Instagram makeup. That doesn’t work on mature skin. Instead, I just tap it right into that shadowed area. That’s what actually needs brightening. Going straight across doesn’t change anything—it just makes it a different color.”

Pinpoint the darkest part (often in the tear trough), and use a ring finger or brush to gently blend.

4. Let the Light Do the Work

Concealer isn’t just about coverage—it’s also about lift and structure. Rose-Marie uses it like highlighter:

“I take a lighter shade of concealer and dab it under the eyes and across the center of my face—down the nose, around the nose, and between the brows. That light in the center makes your cheekbones come alive. It gives fullness and plumpness where you need it most—especially when you're older and losing volume in the face.”

Use a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone to bring light and lift to the center of your face.

5. Less Is More—Especially Around the Eyes

Caking concealer under the eyes is a major no-no for Rose-Marie:

“Don’t bring your concealer right up under the eyelashes—you’ll cake it into those fine lines. People always say, ‘Oh, but I have discoloration!’ So then just target the discoloration! When you pile on too much, especially on mature skin, it just creases and looks worse. Use a color that neutralizes instead of layering product to try to mask everything."

Instead of over-applying, choose a tone-correcting concealer that brightens with less.

6. Use the Right Tools for the Job

Rose-Marie loves using her fingers, but brushes can be game-changers—especially for touch-ups or precision.

“My Skin2Skin brushes mimic fingertip application. I love our little spiral brush—it blends in like skin. Sometimes I’ll just rub it on with the brush and I don’t even need a mirror—it does the work for you.”

Her spiral design helps buff product into creases and corners without streaking or settling.

7. Turn Concealer Into Custom Coverage

Rose-Marie even uses her concealer in place of foundation when she wants quick, targeted coverage:

“I’ll take Revitalize Hydra Concealer and just dab a lighter shade around the eyes and down the center of the face, then add a deeper shade to the perimeter, like around the jaw. Blend them out and you’ve got a natural-looking glow with built-in lift and light. It’s perfect for when you don’t want a full face of foundation but still want structure.”

You can sheer it out with a damp sponge or mix with ReEvolve Primer for even more slip.

9. Use Coverage With Intention, Not Habit

The biggest concealer mistake Rose-Marie sees? Applying the same amount everywhere.

“Why are you putting the same amount of concealer on your laugh lines as you are on a dark spot or blemish? You don’t need it. Only apply coverage where you actually need coverage. That’s it. Otherwise, your face just starts to look like a mask.”

It’s not about hiding—it’s about enhancing. And knowing when to stop.

Final Thoughts

Rose-Marie’s approach to concealer is rooted in artistry, anatomy, and intuition. Her Revitalize Hydra Concealer isn’t just a product—it’s a toolkit for brightening, lifting, and perfecting the complexion in the most natural, flattering way possible.

With her tips in hand, you’ll be correcting, brightening, and sculpting like a pro in no time.

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Not sure where to start? Book a free virtual consultation with one of our RMS Beauty Artists for personalized advice, shade matching, and expert tips—tailored just for you.